Gary Kent photo
Newly elected Mayor David Carabajal, center, reads a proclamation honoring former City Councilman Mike Scotten, left, for his eight years of service on the council. At right is local attorney George P. “Trace” Morrill, III, who was elected to replace Scotten.

BEEVILLE – “It’s been an honor,” outgoing Ward 1 City Councilman Mike Scotten told those gathered at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

“Since I was 21 years old until today, I’ve been in some kind of public service,” the former Beeville Police Department officer said.

Scotten was saying goodbye to the council after serving eight years as the representative for Ward 1. He was presented with a plaque thanking him for his service as a council member and as mayor pro tem.

He was replaced earlier at the meeting by attorney George P. “Trace” Morrill, III.

Morrill had defeated his opponent, accountant Randy Forbes, in the May 11 council election.

In other action Tuesday, the council voted to:

— Approve the payment of $8,353.10 to Lone Star Products for equipment the company provided for new Beeville Police Department patrol cars.

— Authorize the city to pay the Bee County Chamber of Commerce $40,000 for advertising and expenses for the organization’s Summerfest on Aug. 9-10.

This year, the event will be held in conjunction with the Sixth Annual Bee Auto Specialty Car and Truck Show sponsored by Sonic Drive-In of Beeville.

— Approved hiring William Shaffer as the new wastewater treatment plant superintendent. Shaffer has been working for the City of Portland.